The Swallows Make a Snappy Comeback

At exactly 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, before a crowd of about 200 die-hard swallow watchers, Michael Gastelum grasped the ropes dangling from the old mission bells and, with his nephew at his side, began the sacred act of welcoming the swallows back to San Juan Capistrano.

It was the second time in less than a week that the old mission bells had been rung in celebration of the tiny birds, a break from the past that offended many residents.

But it was only the first time this year that Gastelum, who learned the art of bell ringing from his legendary grandfather, Paul Arbiso, rang all four of the ancient bells in honor of the swallows.

During the main celebration, which was held last Saturday despite opposition from many residents, Gastelum had rung only two bells. It was a small act of defiance against mission officials’ meddling with a tradition.

“Today, we rang all four bells to show we want to stay with tradition,” said Gastelum, whose grandfather had welcomed the punctual birds for nearly 70 springs until his death in 1994. “Today is really the special day.”

Tuesday--St. Joseph’s Day--marked the traditional observance of Swallows Day, and an estimated 12,000 residents, city officials and tourists gathered at the 219-year-old mission to mark the annual return of the birds.

Mission officials said that about 14,000 people showed up for Saturday’s festivities, although some residents estimated that the figure was considerably lower.

Officials say they switched the dates of the main celebration from the usual March 19 St. Joseph’s Day to the preceding weekend of March 16-17 to accommodate working families and schoolchildren who would be unable to attend the midweek festivities.

“Our primary concern is to give more people a chance to enjoy the festivities,” said mission spokesperson Jim Graves.

But for residents such as Gastelum, whose nephew, Steve Chavez, helped him ring in the swallows on Tuesday, there can be only one true Swallows Day.

“It doesn’t matter what day March 19 falls on, people will come,” Gastelum said.

Like the main event several days ago, there were colorful mariachis, tourists from around the world and the singing of the 1930s song that put the town on the map: “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano.”

And there were even sightings of the swift-winged birds, who put on a short-lived performance for their visitors right after the clanging of the mission bells.

But for some of the people who turned out for the swallows’ return, Tuesday’s celebration held a much deeper significance than usual. It had become an opportunity to show their support for the old ways.

“We decided to stick with tradition and come today,” said Gardena resident Micki Quire. “I think we need to try and hold on to our history and heritage. In this fast-paced world, we’re losing that.”

Others pooh-poohed all the hoopla, saying the city is getting bent out of shape over nothing.

“It wasn’t anything to get all worked up about,” said Dolores Manriquez, a resident of 30 years who attended both events. “Even before St. Joseph’s Day, the swallows come back. It’s just a myth.”

In the end, mission officials were pleased with the attendance at both festivals. Graves guessed that this year’s attendance will exceed last year’s figure of 20,000 festival goers. If that’s the case, the mission will continue its new tradition of a double ceremony, Graves added.

“I think we were vindicated in our decision to hold the celebration on both days,” Graves said.